August 05, 2024
Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? (Hebrews 12:7)
Everyone suffers. Sometimes, we bring it upon ourselves, but other times, it comes to us from unavoidable sources. Suffering is anything that is hard, painful, enduring, and challenging to handle.
GOD’S VIEW
From heaven’s perspective, the Lord views all of this as that which, when properly responded to, can bring good. It can develop us and train us. It can help others, providing extraordinary examples. The gist of Hebrews 12 is to embrace suffering and find God in the midst of it. That He is sufficient. That He can work “all things together for good.”
And then He gives a million examples: Job, Paul, Corrie Ten Boom, Joni Earickson, and on and on throughout history … people who endured and found God’s grace “greater still.”
Are you suffering? You can cry out for deliverance. Jesus did (in Gethsemane), Paul did (with the thorn in the flesh), but if God chooses to allow it to remain for a season, know that He has plans to use it in such glorious ways that will cause you to rejoice in heaven. He knows what He’s about.
April 24, 2025
This is only possible with God’s aid. He tells us to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. But that approach begins with a plea for His help in this foundational task. It is our most important step of every day and throughout the day. We must be aware of God.
April 15, 2025
A simple, life-changing formula to keep a clear heart and be mightily used by God … for you are never more like Jesus than when you forgive! Perhaps we all need to begin today.
April 11, 2025
Are you coming to God like this today? If not, what adjustments must be made to enter into His presence with such humble joy?
